Decision

The Director of Public Health has approved the award of a contract to Koala North West for the provision of a Breastfeeding Support Service for Wirral residents, commencing on 1 February 2027 for a period of five years at a total value of £451,428.

Reasons for the decision

Breastfeeding is associated with a range of health benefits for both infants and mothers, including reducing the risk of childhood illness and improving long-term health outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that access to timely and skilled breastfeeding support can improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates and support maternal wellbeing.
Breastfeeding rates in Wirral remain below national ambitions, with significant variation across communities. Continued investment in breastfeeding support contributes to reducing health inequalities and supports delivery of local public health priorities and the objectives of the Wirral Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Breastfeeding Support Service provides support, advice and encouragement to expectant and new parents across Wirral. The service plays an important role in improving infant and maternal health outcomes and contributes to the wider prevention agenda.

The Council undertook a compliant and competitive procurement process to identify the provider best placed to deliver this service. Following evaluation against the published award criteria, Koala North West achieved the highest overall score and submitted the most advantageous tender. The organisation demonstrated a strong understanding of local needs, proven experience in delivering breastfeeding support services, and the capability and capacity required to deliver high-quality outcomes for Wirral residents.

The Director of Public Health has agreed to fund the service for a five-year period in recognition of the significant contribution it makes to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies, supporting families and delivering wider public health benefits across Wirral. Funding for the service will be met from the approved Public Health Grant allocation.
The contract award will ensure continuity of breastfeeding support for Wirral residents and support delivery of local Public Health priorities. The Council is satisfied that the outcome of the competitive procurement process represents value for money and will contribute to improving outcomes for mothers, babies and families across Wirral.

Alternative options considered

Various options were explored including different financial models for investment along with the option of not providing additional investment. These options, although considered, are not recommended as this would risk delivery of local strategic public health priorities.